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1950 1 Ton Canadian model #1434 5 window deluxe cab

I purchased this truck in July 2013 while I was working in Southern Saskatchewan near Weyburn.

The old truck was parked in a couple of feet of grass in the front yard of the owner's farm. After driving by three times, I got up the courage to stop and ask about it. I didn't get exactly the best welcome but, working as a regulatory consultant in the oil and gas industry, you get used to mediating.
After much talk of the industry in general, we walked out to look it over.

The farm owner's son (Bob Hill) had purchased it a couple of years ago from the original owner, who purchased it new in 1950 from the Weyburn Chevrolet dealer. The PTO hyd lift system was installed at the dealer. The original owner, I was told, used it to haul about 25 loads of grain but he decided it was not big enough and bought a 1.5-ton with a full grain box. He then apparently used the 1-ton around the area for a few years feeding livestock and getting supplies.
He then stored it in a barn on blocks for 47 years!
That's when the current owner Mr. Hill purchase it, he was was asking what he paid for it: $1750, plus a bit of pocket money. I think this was pretty close to what the original owner would have paid new!
The odometer showed 23628 miles. ( see picture)

The truck came with some extras. The original tailgate, spare tire and a couple of other spare engine parts were stored in the shop.

I was heading back to Alberta for some time off and asked if he could get it running so I could do a test drive when I returned. I told him I would pay him $2000 running and we had a deal.

When I returned the next week, she was sitting proud and ready for a test spin. The old 6 cylinder fired up with a little gas down the carb and away we went.

Everything worked from the original 6 volt headlights to the single tail light. The PTO-driven hoist worked perfectly, too.

Other than both doors having been over extended and the usual farm wear and tear, there was no major body damage. There was no rust other than surface. Original floor boards in the 9 foot box are showing some dry rot but they are all there. I couldn't get it on the trailer fast enough.

On the 1200 km trip home, everywhere I stopped for lunch or fuel, the truck drew attention. Both men and women looked it over with most saying their Grandfather had one just like it or they learned to drive in one just like it! There was a lot of emotion in some asking to touch and even sit in it.

In Alberta, you need to pass an Out of Province Inspection before you can register a vehicle. While attending the local show and shine, I met with a member of the St. Albert Cruisers (check them out on their Facebook) and was told of a mechanic in Westlock. After replacing the front brake cylinders and rubber lines, along with a carb rebuild and tune up, she ran like she was new. I needed to replace the exhaust system and tires to pass also.

When I took the bill of sale and inspection paper to the registry, I was told that this truck was never registered in Canada or anywhere else for that matter. As it turns out, I am the first and only registered owner of a 1950 Chevrolet 1-Ton Deluxe Cab pickup truck -- how cool is that!! ( That is very cool! ~ Editor )

The winter of 2014 I was quite busy with work and couldn't do much. But on my down time, over the next 3 years I did sand and repaint the interior dash components. Speedometer and gauges had new decals applied (when cleaning the odometer I found that the thousand number dial was free spooling the mechanic report shows it as 36,028 so I'm not positive on the accuracy of the miles, but that been said it doesn't look like it's got more than the mileage indicated). The floor and lower cab area has had Rust Bullet applied, the seat frame and heater were repaired and repainted. I tracked down a awesome upholstery shop in Edmonton who re-upholstered the seat and it is back to original style and colour. The headliner, door panels and sun visor have also been replaced. All brake lines are new, along with new master cylinders and rear brake cyl. Steering box was rebuilt with new bearings. King pins were replaced this past winter along with cleaning, inspecting the drag link, ball joints before reinstalling. The only thing that has been done to the 216 engine is a tune-up with new plugs points and condenser, I did a valve set following the information in the Stovebolt technical section that was very easy to follow other than me needing 3 hands!
All of the chrome and stainless is original, I did add a right hand tail light for safety.

According to GM Vintage Vehicle Services research this is 1 of 2013 of this model produced in the Oshawa plant for sale in Canada in 1950.

It's been in the Stovebolt 1 Ton calendar, drive your old truck day in Vintage Truck magazine and the Facebook VT page. ( Keep and eye out in 2023 for a write up in Vintage Truck )

The last couple of years with Covid restrictions I was only been able to attended 1 show and I'm looking forward to quite a few this year!

I'm still looking for a 4:10 gear set to give it a upgrade. ( I found a gearset this past summer)
The first show was in 2017 (see picture) I hadn't got to the exterior paint yet!
It took me a week of gentle cleaning with scotch brite pads and waxing and sealing to bring the paint back to the current condition.
I have no plans on repainting the exterior as this is the way it was meant to be with perfectly natural patina.
Current odometer reading is 25,563 miles.

This winter (2022) I've had all four of the drums ever so gently turned and brake shoes have new lining applied, after the differential upgrade this was a absolute necessity. I will also be replacing the front motor mount and checking out the clutch for wear and the fly wheel for cracks. New rear main rope seal and pan gasket should also take care of the oil leaks!

Doyle

WOW!

Beautiful truck!

Very nice. Thanks for posting.

John

That is one nice truck! Can't wait to see under hood pictures. Thanks for sharing.

Finally! I’ve been waiting for your beauty to grace these pages, Doyle!

This truck is even nicer in person, gents. It’s amazing. Runs like an old Singer.

I’m still looking for that 4.10 for you as well.

Doyle,
Cool story and truck! The fact that it was rust free is the true miracle! And the price you paid, well let’s say, I think you made out! Trust me, the 4:10’s are out there. Just have to keep checking old salvage yards.
I love your head liner and door gasket trim. Can you provide me of where you purchased them? Looking to get my cabs interior cleaned up!
Jim

Hi Jim,
Sorry for taking so long to respond.
Thanks for the comment, the door panels were ordered from "The Filling Station" $16.00 US for the pair they fit really well with minimal cutting. I did apply a clear satin varathane finish for added protection.
The headliner was ordered from "The Old Car Centre" $46.00 Cdn, after flattening it out as it comes rolled up it needed some encouragement to fit in the corners but the finished look is fantastic.
Cheers
Doyle

Hey Doyle,

I have a 1953 Chevrolet 1100 1.5 Ton, I'd like to meet up with you sometime this summer in Spruce Grove to have a look over your 1950 1 Ton its a Gorgeous Truck. I'm going to be starting the resurrection of my ole girl this winter just looking at a little insight

Thank You

Aidon Kurjata